[#37279] Document Ubuntu 24.04 Python version requirements

[PDGGK]

What changes are being proposed in this pull request?

This PR addresses issue #37279 by documenting the Python version availability issues on Ubuntu 24.04.

Ubuntu 24.04 ships with Python 3.12 by default but lacks python3.10, python3.11, and python3.13 commands in the default repositories. This causes build failures when developers try to run Python SDK test suites that require multiple Python versions.

Why are these changes needed?

New contributors using Ubuntu 24.04 frequently encounter confusing build errors like:

• python3.10: command not found
• Cannot run program "python3.10": No such file or directory

This documentation update helps developers:

1. Understand why the error occurs
2. Know which Python versions are affected
3. Apply appropriate workarounds

Changes made:

• Simplified "For more information" line to match Beam documentation style
• Added Ubuntu 24.04-specific guidance explaining missing Python versions
• Provided two workarounds:
  • Using pyenv to install and make multiple versions available
  • Creating symlinks in /usr/local/bin/

Testing

• Documentation-only change, no code tests required
• Verified formatting and links

Fixes #37279

[gemini-code-assist]

Summary of Changes

Hello @PDGGK, I'm Gemini Code Assist¹! I'm currently reviewing this pull request and will post my feedback shortly. In the meantime, here's a summary to help you and other reviewers quickly get up to speed!

This pull request enhances the developer onboarding experience by documenting critical Python version compatibility issues specific to Ubuntu 24.04. It aims to prevent common build failures for new contributors by explaining why certain Python versions are missing and offering clear, actionable solutions, thereby streamlining the setup process for running Python SDK test suites.

Highlights

• Ubuntu 24.04 Python Version Documentation: Added documentation to CONTRIBUTING.md addressing Python version availability issues on Ubuntu 24.04, specifically the absence of python3.10, python3.11, and python3.13 commands by default.
• Error Explanation: Clarified the common build errors encountered by developers, such as "python3.10: command not found", explaining their root cause on Ubuntu 24.04.
• Workaround Provision: Provided two practical workarounds for developers: using pyenv to manage and install multiple Python versions, and creating symlinks in /usr/local/bin/ for existing Python binaries.

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[github-actions]

Assigning reviewers:

R: @Abacn added as fallback since no labels match configuration

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[github-actions]

Reminder, please take a look at this pr: @Abacn

[github-actions]

Assigning new set of reviewers because Pr has gone too long without review. If you would like to opt out of this review, comment assign to next reviewer:

R: @Abacn added as fallback since no labels match configuration

Available commands:

• stop reviewer notifications - opt out of the automated review tooling
• remind me after tests pass - tag the comment author after tests pass
• waiting on author - shift the attention set back to the author (any comment or push by the author will return the attention set to the reviewers)

[PDGGK]

Ubuntu 24.04 is now the default LTS and many new contributors are hitting this issue. The current text says "install multiple Python versions" but doesn't show the specific error messages users encounter. Adding the error examples (python3.10: command not found) helps users quickly identify this is the cause.

That said, if you feel it's redundant, I'm happy to simplify or drop the Ubuntu-specific mention.

[damccorm]

I think its helpful to explicitly call out the error message/fix, but I don't think its an ubuntu 24.04 specific issue. So I'd recommend dropping that, and just calling out the error

[damccorm]

Thanks